Germany Introduces Border‌ Controls ⁣Amid Asylum Seeker Overload

Germany has introduced border controls at all its borders, effective September ‌16, 2024, due to an overload of the system for receiving asylum seekers. The controls, which will be in place for at least six months, will affect ⁣travelers from Denmark,​ the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and ‍France.

The move has ‌sparked concerns about the potential impact on the movement of people and goods within the Schengen area, a zone of 26⁢ European countries⁢ that normally allows ​for⁣ passport-free travel. ⁣The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, has criticized⁤ Germany’s decision, stating that it threatens the entire Schengen system.

Schengen: ⁤Controls as a Last ⁤Resort Only

Internal border controls are only permitted under certain conditions, and member states must notify the European Commission in Brussels⁤ of their introduction. The Commission emphasizes that border controls should be the‌ exception and⁣ only used as a “last resort.”

Germany has‌ justified its decision⁣ by⁢ citing the⁤ high number of migrants entering the‌ country illegally and overloading the system for accepting refugees. The German Interior Minister, Nancy Fezer, has stated that the controls are necessary to prevent illegal access and to detect people trying to enter the‌ country without applying for asylum.

Hundreds of Exemptions in the⁤ Schengen Zone

Germany is not⁣ the only country implementing extended border controls. Eight other members ​of ⁢the Schengen‌ zone currently have internal border controls in place, with a total of 441 control measures reported since 2006. France has the most exemptions, with constant controls at all land borders due to terrorist threats and migration pressure.

Random Checks on Highways

Controls between Germany and Austria will be limited to visual checks and random checks on highways. Not every person will be required to show their documents, only suspicious vehicles ⁤will be stopped. However, the Police Union has warned that the police⁢ do⁣ not have enough personnel for⁤ constant controls on subways.

Fezer Wants to Prevent ‌Illegal Access

The German Interior Minister, Nancy Fezer, wants new controls to detect people trying to enter the country “illegally.” However, ​entry can only be refused‌ if these people do not apply for asylum. ‍Fezer is also asking to speed up checks in the EU asylum databases and to speed up negotiations with relevant EU countries.

50 Percent Could Not Enter Germany

The German ⁤Federal Police announced that 34,000⁤ people tried ⁣to enter Germany illegally between January and July this year. Half of them, or 17,000 people, were immediately refused entry at the ⁤border. The other half managed to⁢ enter the country and their cases are now being dealt​ with under the Dublin Rules.

Hungary Expresses ⁢Satisfaction

Hungary, the current EU presidency, has commented on Germany’s border controls with a hint of sarcasm. Hungary has been criticized for years for its strict policy ​on ‌illegal migration. ⁢The Hungarian government stated that “those who have always rejected our approach are now applying it.”